First year of blogging

It’s my Blogiversary!

Wow. I have just completed my first year of blogging! I hit the publish button my first post on January 30, 2017. And I have learned a lot! Just take a look at some of my first photos, like this one… yikes

Ouch. Even for a before picture this is pretty ugly

Year in Review

This was a particularly busy year. Back in late 2016, we decided to sell both of our condos, and buy a place together. Greg and I have been together since 2010, and we were pretty much living in my condo, with just his cat living in his condo. And although that’s pretty awesome for the cat… it was not exactly cost effective. And to be fair, the cat is now spoiled rotten, so ultimately it wasn’t really good for him either!

#Angusthetabby. Spoiled rotten kitty

My original plan was to have the condo all renovated and staged and ready to sell by February of 2017. Well, as is almost always the case, the renovation wasn’t completed on time. At least my budget was good 🙂 Here is the final post which includes my before and after photos. Just click on the photo to go to the post.

You really have to see what it looked like before to fully appreciate the after. Click on photo for link to before and after photos

Here are a couple of my favourite furniture projects This one is a piece that I just love. It was my DIY solution to a mirrored buffet. Link in photo.

And my Diamond Tufted Headboard

And two of my favourite outdoor projects, include this one that was inspired by an Ana White pattern

And this one that I did for the $100 Room Challenge which is hosted by Erin over at Lemons Lavender and Laundry . I have to say, this group of bloggers is so awesome and supportive, what an absolute pleasure to go through this challenge with them. They are just wrapping up the current challenge for January. I wanted to participate but I just wasn’t ready, right on the back of moving and Christmas. But I’m definitely signing on for the next one, which is probably going to be in September. I have quite a few spaces that I could use a makeover: my walk-in closet, the laundry room and my office/sewing room/craft room 🙂 Though I’m not sure that I can pull that one off for under $100!

It sure is nice to have a whole year under my belt. Lots of lessons learned. Nice to have a bit of inventory. And I’m really excited to see what the next year brings.

These are a Few of My Favourite Things

Here are a few of my new favourite things that I have discovered along the way

I just love these Removable water resistant Labels from Avery. They are safe to use outdoors and you can just peel them off if you need to. You can print these off on your printer.

Envirotex Lite High Gloss epoxy I used this on the counters in Greg’s condo. It’s pretty cool stuff. I expect I will probably find another use for it on a future project. It’s like using FIFTY coats of varnish. I just love shiny surfaces!!

After almost a year using first my Samsung phone and then my Canon point and shoot, I finally invested in a new Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera. I can’t tell you how much I love this camera, I bought this package which came with all the extras. I’m so happy with this purchase. But don’t judge my photography too harshly just yet. I’m really still learning how to use this camera, but I LOVE it!!

Coming Attractions

There are a lot of projects that need doing in the new homestead. I FINALLY have an office, and this is what it currently looks like

So, that is clearly a project. Also I have just ordered my first ever CRICUT, and I am so excited to start using it. I am an affiliate, so feel free to click on this link if you are thinking about purchasing one too!

Let’s go Outside!

It has been quite a few years since I have had a yard. Although I had a really great deck in my condo

But now I have a little slice of heaven in my back yard. Man, I forgot how much I love playing in the dirt. Also, I have been growing roses for about 20 years, and my new house came complete with about 13 established roses bushes.

Here is one of the roses from my new home, working hard in January. Pretty Impressive really.

So, there’s a chance you may see some gardening posts from me this coming year.

Thanks for stopping by for this review of my first year of blogging and if you want to see what develops in the next year, fill in the contact form below to subscribe!

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Comments

Congrats on your blogiversary! It is amazing to compare your first pictures and the current ones! I swear I feel like I can smell the roses after the rain! This is how good the image is! All the best with your future projects!